Québec solidaire’s proposal to increase sanctions against “abusive landlords” has reignited a sensitive debate in the midst of a housing crisis. While protecting tenants is essential, many landlords believe that the measure, as presented, risks adding weight to an already complex system without addressing the real causes of the problems.
Landlords point out that the vast majority of them manage their buildings responsibly, comply with the rules of the Administrative Housing Tribunal (TAL), and invest in the maintenance of their properties.
Cases of abuse do exist, but they remain marginal compared to the overall rental market.
For landlords, portraying the sector as a homogeneous block of “bad actors” creates an unfair perception and contributes to deteriorating relations between tenants and landlords, even though cooperation is essential to maintaining buildings in good condition.
A regulatory framework already very strict
Québec already has one of the most tightly regulated systems in the country: mandatory notices, strict deadlines, stringent rules for repossession of dwellings, inspections, maintenance obligations, and a specialized tribunal to resolve disputes.
Landlords emphasize that sanctions already exist and are applied when violations are proven.
Further tightening the punitive framework risks creating more tension without improving tenants’ situations.
TAL delays that penalize everyone
It is true that current TAL delays are problematic, but these delays affect tenants and landlords alike.
A risk of negative effects on investment
Landlords fear that adding harsher sanctions will create a climate of mistrust that discourages investment in maintenance and renovation.
This comes at a time when construction costs are skyrocketing, new Building Code standards are increasing obligations, property taxes are rising with new assessment rolls, and many landlords are already struggling to maintain the profitability of their buildings.
A heavier punitive regime could push some to delay necessary work or even withdraw from the rental market altogether, which would run counter to the goal of increasing the housing supply.
Addressing the real issues: maintenance, financing, and availability
Landlords recognize the importance of protecting tenants and sanctioning truly abusive behavior.
However, they believe that the proposed increase in sanctions, as presented, risks punishing an already heavily regulated sector indiscriminately, without addressing the root causes of the housing crisis.
For them, the priority should be improving the functioning of the TAL, supporting the maintenance of the housing stock, and encouraging the construction of new units — measures that would benefit both tenants and landlords.
Harsher sanctions against landlords: why the proposed solution risks missing the target
